Is Plainfield, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.9/100
waterverge.com Plainfield, NH — Water Quality Report
Plainfield's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 28.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 182 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Plainfield's water
Plainfield ranks #54 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Plainfield relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Plainfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plainfield, NH water safe to drink?
Plainfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plainfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plainfield's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4624). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plainfield's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Plainfield's water system has 182 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Connecticut River, Ottauquechee River.
Where does Plainfield's water come from?
Plainfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Connecticut River (river), Ottauquechee River (river).
What Plainfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plainfield's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Plainfield's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Plainfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Plainfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE APG NORTHEAST INC. WEST LEBANON, NH03784 | Lead compounds | 0 | 7.2 mi |
TIMKEN AEROSPACE( MPB CORP DBA) LEBANON LEBANON, NH03766 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
HYPERTHERM INC LEBANON, NH03766 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
LEBANON CRUSHED STONE PIKE INDUSTRIES INC WEST LEBANON, NH03784 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
NOVO NORDISK US BIO PRODUCTION INC WEST LEBANON, NH03784 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSullivan County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Plainfield's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 28.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.33 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 28.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.620 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Plainfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Plainfield ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plainfield's water comes from
Plainfield's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,034 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Plainfield
Plainfield is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Plainfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERIDEN VILLAGE WATER DIST | NH1921020 | 750 | GW |
| PLAINFIELD WATER DEPT | NH1921010 | 284 | GW |
How Plainfield compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Plainfield's score of 66.9/100 is on par with the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Plainfield, NH
Wikipedia →Meriden is an unincorporated community in the eastern part of the town of Plainfield in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, United States. It is the location of Kimball Union Academy, a private boarding school. New Hampshire Route 120 passes through the village, leading north to Lebanon and south to Claremont.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plainfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Plainfield, NH tap water safe to drink?
Plainfield's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #54 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Plainfield's water?
Lead was measured at 28.0 ppb (90th percentile). 182 violations are on record.
How is Plainfield's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Plainfield?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plainfield's water come from?
Plainfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,034 residents.
What health violations has Plainfield's water system had?
Plainfield has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Plainfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plainfield uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 182 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Plainfield's water compare to other cities?
Plainfield ranks #54 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 55% of state cities) and #11312 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.